Coexpair Will Deliver Advanced Hot Press for Safran New Composites Development Lab

Why It Matters

By equipping Safran with a high‑efficiency press, Coexpair enables faster, lower‑energy production of advanced engine composites, a critical step toward lighter, more fuel‑efficient aircraft. The deal also signals broader adoption of automated, AI‑driven composite processes across defense and commercial aviation.

Key Takeaways

• Safran orders Coexpair’s pneumatic hot press for new French composites lab.
• Press supports RTM, SQRTM, compression molding, thermoplastic hot forming.
• System offers oil‑free operation, low energy use, high‑speed actuation.
• Coexpair’s SQRTM 4.0 already cut part costs by 30% in aerospace.
• Partnership with Lockheed Martin expands Coexpair’s presence in defense programs.

Pulse Analysis

The aerospace sector is racing to replace metal structures with high‑performance composites, a shift driven by fuel‑efficiency mandates and emissions targets. Advanced hot presses like the one Coexpair is delivering to Safran enable precise temperature control and rapid cycle times, essential for scaling thermoset and thermoplastic lay‑up processes. By integrating real‑time coordination software, manufacturers can synchronize molding, curing and cooling steps, reducing human error and increasing repeatability across complex geometries.

Coexpair’s platform distinguishes itself through oil‑free hydraulics and a four‑fold reduction in energy consumption, aligning with the industry’s sustainability agenda. The inclusion of Maestro, an AI‑enhanced data‑management suite, allows operators to capture process parameters, run simulations and generate quality documentation automatically. Such digital twins not only accelerate part qualification but also lower the cost of tooling—claims of up to 30% savings have been reported on Airbus and Embraer programs. The press’s versatility across RTM, SQRTM and compression molding positions it as a hub for multi‑material development, supporting Safran’s push for next‑generation engine components that combine heat resistance with weight reduction.

Strategically, the Safran contract underscores Coexpair’s expanding footprint beyond its Belgian base into key European aerospace hubs. Coupled with the earlier memorandum of understanding with Lockheed Martin to test SQRTM 4.0 on F‑35 components, the company is cementing a dual‑market presence in both commercial and defense sectors. This momentum could accelerate adoption of fully automated composite lines, reshaping supply chains and prompting OEMs to invest in similar high‑efficiency equipment as they chase greener, faster production cycles.